Here are some fascinating facts about the popularity of the potato in America:

On average, every human being in the United States consumes one potato per day.

The humble potato rates number TWO on the list of most popular foods in America, just behind milk.

One medium sized potato only costs the consumer about 100 calories, which is great when you consider the nutritional punch the potato packs.

All spuds are rich in complex carbohydrates, vitamins C and B6 and essential minerals such as chromium, selenium and manganese and iron, which is found in a greater concentration in potatoes than any other vegetable.

Potatoes are low in sodium but high in potassium, another attractive characteristic. They’re higher in protein content than just about any other veggie, too, and provide about one-tenth the recommended daily intake of fiber for adults.

Are potatoes fattening? Not compared to many other, less satisfying foods. For example, one medium potato has around 100 calories and one-half cup of cottage cheese has 130! One cup of noodles has twice as many calories as a medium potato! And the same is true of one cup of rice. Even a cup of plain, unflavored yogurt has more calories than one whole medium potato.

So making the potato your nutritional mainstay simply makes good sense –- for all the reasons above. But there are two other reasons that probably usurp all the others when you’re strolling down the aisle of your grocery store:

1 - Potatoes cost only pennies per serving, and
2 - Everybody loves them!

Here are some great family potato recipes for Red Potatoes and Mashed Potatoes. Enjoy them with abandon!

BAKED GARLIC-RED POTATOES RECIPE
“En Papillote”
Serves 8

2 pounds red potatoes
15 peeled shallots
15 peeled garlic cloves
Salt, pepper and butter

Slice the potatoes to about ¼-inch thick, putting the slices from two potatoes on an 8-inch piece of tin foil as you work. Dot each foil pack with butter and add salt and pepper, plus one tablespoon water; then seal each one tightly.

Bake in a 350 degree pre-heated over for 40 minutes, using a baking sheet. Careful when you open up the foil!

RED POTATOES MASHED
Easy, healthful and so tasty!
Low fat, zero cholesterol!

Cut four medium red potatoes (peeled) into 1-1/2” pieces and boil for 30 minutes in water, then drain. Add 1/3 cup skim milk, ¼ cub plain non-fat yogurt, 2 tablespoons butter and salt and pepper to taste. Beat with mixer about one minute.